37th Infantry Division Moves into Manila

The primarily US forces involved were represented by the 37th Infantry Division and the 1st Cavarly Division, smaller airborne units, forces already highly experienced in combat, junge warfare and fights in close, restricted terrain.

By 5 February, the 1st Cavalry was very low on food for both itself and the internees. The division was surrounded, as historians of the plodding 37th Infantry Division point out. The 37th Infantry Division had to “rescue” the 1st Cavalry Division on 5 February by breaking through Japanese positions and reestablishing 1st Cavalry’s supply. A convoy with food and ammunition reached the division on the evening of 5 February. The division’s lines of communication continued to be insecure, however. Japanese forces killed twelve 1st Cavalry drivers during these weeks.